US Tightens Scrutiny on Nigerians Over Visa Overstays

• The US Mission in Nigeria has warned that a US visa expiry date does not determine how long Nigerians can stay in America, urging travellers to obey their authorized “Admit Until Date” to avoid immigration penalties.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a fresh warning to Nigerian travellers, stressing that the expiration date on a US visa does not determine how long a visitor is legally allowed to stay in the United States.

In a statement shared on its official X account under the #VisaWiseTravelSmart campaign, the Mission explained that the duration of a visitor’s stay is determined solely by officers of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival at a US port of entry.

According to the Mission, possessing a valid visa only allows a traveler to seek admission into the United States and does not guarantee how long they can remain in the country.

“The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, not your visa expiration date,” the Mission stated.

It further advised travellers to check their ‘Admit Until Date’ through their electronic I-94 record immediately after arriving in the United States to avoid overstaying their authorized period of stay.

“The CBP officer determines your ‘Admit Until Date’ upon your arrival, and you can check the date by which you must depart online through your I-94 record,” the statement added.

The advisory comes as US authorities intensify scrutiny of visa overstays by foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

According to US immigration data, Nigeria has been identified among countries with notable visa overstay rates, prompting closer monitoring by American immigration authorities.

The Mission warned that remaining in the United States beyond the date authorized by CBP—even if the visa itself has not expired—constitutes an immigration violation.

Such violations, it said, could lead to the cancellation of existing visas, denial of future visa applications, and other immigration penalties.

Official figures released by US authorities show that Nigeria records a 5.56% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visitor visas, while the overstay rate for student and exchange visas (F, M and J categories) stands at 11.90%.

In response, the US Mission has intensified its public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on visa regulations, proper interview preparation, and compliance with US immigration laws after arrival.

Officials also noted that high overstay rates could affect other Nigerian applicants by resulting in stricter visa screening processes, longer appointment waiting periods, and additional documentary requirements.

With thousands of Nigerians travelling to the United States each month for education, business, tourism, and family visits, the Mission urged all travellers to monitor their I-94 records carefully and leave the country before their authorized stay expires in order to maintain a positive immigration history.